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<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=cricket">Cricket</a> is not just a sport in India. It’s a way of life, and as clichéd as it sounds, it has the power to unite people in joy (think of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Indian-Cricket-Team-To-Don-A-Different-Blue-This-World-Cup/articleshow/45896013.cms">World cup wins</a> or semi-final clashes with Pakistan, Bangladesh or Australia) or in collective anger, especially after a harrowing defeat. 
 However, what has remained constant since time immemorial is that <keyword id="1521" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cricket">cricket</keyword> has always triumphed and been a staple of our sports diet, even at the cost of other sports’ fight for recognition. 
 
But, for the first time, it seems like the spirit of cricket might be leveling down in the country, and there’s no better proof of that, than the recent controversy surrounding the possibility of the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/The-India-Pak-cricket-series-may-not-have-the-govts-no-yet-but-advertisers-are-lining-up-by-the-hoards/articleshow/49947113.cms">India vs Pakistan cricket series</a> taking place. 
 
Both the teams who make for excellent rivals on field and are brimming with talent haven’t played Test cricket since 2007 though Pakistan toured India in the winter of 2012-2013 for a short-limited over series, clearly highlighting the anticipation of cricket fans to see the Indian cricket team clash with their Pakistani counterpart once again. 
 
So, what’s the holdup and when did a harmless cricket series between these two countries snowball into a controversy? 
 
It all started when the issue of bilateral cricket resuming between India and Pakistan took centre stage and was debated incessantly due to the escalating border tensions between these two countries. The fact that both the cricket boards (<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/BCCI-chief-Jagmohan-Dalmiyas-final-journey-begins/articleshow/49044999.cms">BCCI</a> and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Pakistan-rejects-BCCIs-offer-to-hold-bilateral-cricket-series-in-India/articleshow/49783707.cms">PCB</a>) were at loggerheads regarding the venue of the scheduled series in December didn’t help matters either. 
 Even as IPL chairman <keyword id="13855" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rajeev-Shukla">Rajeev Shukla</keyword> pushed for the resumption of cricket ties between the two countries, stressing on the fact that cricket should not be mixed politics, his suggestion fell to deaf ears with the <keyword id="6354756" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="BCCI">BCCI</keyword> refusing to give out an official comment regarding the series. Pakistan Cricket Board (<keyword id="6355595" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="PCB">PCB</keyword>) on the other hand has made its consent regarding the series clear and it was decided that the bilateral series would be held at a neutral venue, i.e., Srilanka. 
 
Though, it’s a given that the PCB’s decision was also wrapped in politics, considering the venue is a massive relief for the PCB, as it solved the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/India-might-play-cricket-withPakistan-in-December-But-there-mightbe-a-spoiler-ahead/articleshow/47280508.cms">broadcasting rights issue</a> for them. 
 
“If the series was to be held in India, the broadcasting rights for the same would go to Star Sports as it has the exclusive rights of covering home, which would mean massive loss of revenue for PCB, whose multi-million dollar deal hinges on a match with India. And, now with Srilanka being the possible venue, Dubai-based Ten Sports will officially be the sole broadcaster of the series and as a result save PCB a lot of money,” said a Star Sports official on request of anonymity. 
 
However, BCCI who had sought an approval from the external affairs ministry is yet to offer an official statement as it is still waiting for a go-ahead from the government on the scheduled series. Pakistan’s Nawaz Sharif has given his consent. 
 
Till date, the government remains mum on the issue due to the politics and animosity that’s in question between the two nations. If that wasn’t bad enough, social media has been taken by storm with tweets against India playing Pakistan, with the hashtag #NoCricketWithPakistan trending at no 1 for a few days. 
 
There were tweets from people hinting that it would be an injustice to what happened in Mumbai if the government does intend to go ahead with the series. Another said, Modi should respect the public sentiment (which is against a match between the two countries) and instead cancel it. 
 
What they refuse to understand is that cricket or any sports for that matter has nothing to do with politics and for the first time they are encouraging an environment when cricket will end up being the loser.

What the controversy regarding the India-Pakistan series
says about our country

After a wait of 22 years, India clinched their first Test series victory on Sri Lankan soil with an emphatic 117-run win over the hosts in the third and final <keyword id="1521" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Cricket">cricket</keyword> Test despite a valiant century by rival skipper <keyword id="79577" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Angelo-Mathews">Angelo Mathews</keyword>. 

	After setting a daunting victory target of 386, India managed to dismiss the Sri Lankans for 268 on a wicket which slowed down considerably to wrap up the series 2-1, their first overseas series victory since June, 2011 against the West Indies. 
	 It was new captain <keyword id="6354486" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Virat-Kohli">Virat Kohli</keyword>'s first series win ever since he took over reins of the team from Mahendra Singh Dhoni. 

	On an absorbing final day's play, the visitors took two quick wickets in the morning session before Mathews (110) and debutant Kusal Perera (70) scripted a spirited fightback to frustrate the Indians. 
	 
	The duo put on a resolute 135-run partnership for the sixth wicket, the second-highest stand in the fourth innings in Sri Lanka's Test history. Roy Dias and Duleep Mendis hold the record of biggest fourth innings partnership with a 214- run stand. 
	 Off-spinner R Ashwin was the pick of the Indian bowlers with four for 69 while paceman <keyword id="11685" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Ishant-Sharma">Ishant Sharma</keyword> scalped three for 32. Umesh Yadav chipped in with two for 65. 
	 
	The last time an Indian team won a series in Sri Lanka was way back in 1993 under Mohammed Azharuddin's leadership when they sealed the series with 1-0 scoreline. 
	 
	The fifth day's action was not devoid of drama as more on-field altercation took place with Kusal Perera being involved in a heated exchange with Indian players. 
	 
	Ashwin took the last wicket of Nuwan Pradep to bring about India's moment of glory, triggering scenes of wild celebrations in the dressing room as the players hugged each other and picked up the stumps as mementos. 
 

	Image credit: Indiatimes

India clinch a victory against Srilanka for the 1st time in 22 years

Mumbai, India became the first team to qualify for the World Cup semifinals after beating Sri Lanka by a massive 302 runs here on Thursday. Mohammed Shami (5/18) and Mohammed Siraj (3/16) ran through the Sri Lanka batting line-up as the Islanders were bundled out for 55 in 19.4 overs while chasing 358. Kasun Rajitha top-scored for Sri Lanka with 14. Only two other Sri Lanka batters -- Angelo Mathews (12) and Maheesh Theekshana (12 not out) -- could reach double digits. Earlier, sent in to bat, India amassed 357 for 8. Virat Kohli (88 off 94 balls), Shubman Gill (92 off 92) and Shreyas Iyer (82 off 56) led India's batting. Ravindra Jadeja's 35 off 24 balls pushed India past 350. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madhushanka was the stand out bowler for Sri Lanka ending with figures of five for 80 in 10 overs. Brief Scores: India: 357 for 8 in 50 overs (Virat Kohli 88, Shubman Gill 92, Shreyas Iyer 82; Dilshan Madhushanka 5/80). Sri Lanka: 55 all out in 19.4 overs (Kasun Rajitha 14; Mohammed Shami 5/18, Mohammed Siraj 3/16).

India first team to qualify for World Cup semifinals with 302-run win over Sri Lanka

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What the controversy regarding the India-Pakistan series says about our country

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India clinch a victory against Srilanka for the 1st time in 22 years

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India first team to qualify for World Cup semifinals with 302-run win over Sri Lanka

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